You’ve just received a diagnosis of autism, what happens now?

What Happens After an Autism Diagnosis? A Practical Guide for Adults

Receiving an autism diagnosis in adulthood can be a turning point, but what comes next isn’t always clear. Many people leave their assessment with more questions than answers. At Leap, we believe post-diagnostic support should be practical, validating, and tailored to real life. Here’s a straightforward guide to what you can expect, what to prioritise, and how to move forward with confidence.

1. Understand What the Diagnosis Means — Clinically and Personally

Your diagnostic outcome is based on criteria outlined in the DSM-5, which includes persistent differences in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or sensory experiences. But the clinical label is just one part of the picture.

What to do next:

• Read your report, take your time, they are often very long!

• Ask for clarification on any terms you don’t understand. You are always welcome to arrange a post diagnosis chat to talk through your report or discuss next steps.

• Make a list of traits or patterns that feel most relevant to your daily life

2. Identify your Support Needs

Some people feel relief after diagnosis, others feel overwhelmed. Both viewpoints are valid. The key is to identify what you need right now, whether it’s emotional support, workplace adjustments, or practical tools.

Consider:

• Do you need help explaining your diagnosis to family or colleagues?

• Are sensory challenges affecting your daily routines?

• Would a structured planner, visual schedule, or quiet space (for example at work) help?

3. Explore Adjustments for the Workplace or Education

Under the Equality Act 2010, autistic people are entitled to reasonable adjustments at work and in education. These can include flexible hours, noise-reducing equipment, written instructions, or a preferred form of contact (e.g. email over phone calls).

Steps to take:

• Review your job description and identify where challenges arise

• Speak to HR or your line manager about adjustments

• Consider Access to Work, a government scheme that funds support for disabled employees (National Autistic Society, 2025).

4. Build a Toolkit That Works for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to post-diagnostic support. Some people benefit from coaching, peer groups, or occupational therapy. Others prefer self-guided resources.

Start with:

• A daily planner or journal. Keeping a note of your feelings can be useful for spotting patterns or areas of challenge.

• Sensory tools (noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, fidget items)

• Online communities or local groups for autistic people

5. Know Your Rights, and Your Options

An autism diagnosis can open doors to support, but it also requires self-advocacy. You may be eligible for benefits, housing support, or further assessments (e.g. ADHD, sensory processing).

Further support:

• Once diagnosed, Leap will contact your GP to inform them of your diagnosis (with your consent)

• Explore Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit, if eligible.

• Ask about sensory assessments or mental health support if needed

6. Plan for the Long Term

Autism is lifelong, but support needs can change. What helps now may evolve over time. The goal isn’t to “fix” anything, you don’t need fixing, it’s to build systems that work for you.

Think about:

• What routines help you feel regulated and safe?

• What relationships feel supportive and sustainable?

• What boundaries do you need to protect your energy?

Final Thoughts

A diagnosis is just the beginning of understanding yourself more clearly. At Leap, we’re committed to making that journey practical and empowering. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into self-discovery, you deserve to live a life that honours your strengths and supports your areas of challenge.

Ready to talk about your experiences? Book a FREE consultation today

You don’t have to be sure to start

For anyone quietly wondering if autism might explain the things they’ve never said out loud.

One of the most common things we hear from people considering an autism assessment is, “I’m not sure I’m autistic enough.” Or, “I relate to some things, but not everything.” Or even, “I feel like I’m making it up.”

This hesitation is normal. It’s not a sign that you’re wrong, it’s often a sign that you’ve spent years adapting, masking, and pushing through. You’ve learned to cope in ways that make your struggles less visible to others. Maybe you’ve internalised the idea that if you’re functioning, you must be fine. And maybe, you feel, if you’ve made it this far, you don’t need help. That if you’re not melting down in public or avoiding eye contact 100% of the time, you must not be autistic.

But autism doesn’t always look like the stereotypes. It doesn’t always come with a dramatic light bulb moment. Sometimes it’s a slow, quiet wondering. A pattern you can’t quite name. A sense that something has always felt slightly off-centre but you’ve just learned to live with it.

You don’t need certainty to begin.

You don’t need a checklist when you come to your assessment, and you don’t need to match every trait. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you reach out. That’s what we are here for.

An autism assessment isn’t about proving anything. It’s about exploring. It’s a space to talk openly about your experiences, without judgement and without pressure. It’s a chance to understand how your brain works, how you’ve coped, and what might help you feel more like yourself.

You’re not wasting anyone’s time.

This fear comes up a lot, especially for women and non binary adults who’ve been socialised to minimise their needs. You might worry that you’re taking a resource away from someone who “needs it more.”. You might think, “I’ve managed this long, maybe I should just keep going.”

But you deserve clarity, you deserve support. You deserve to do so much more than just ‘manage’. You deserve to understand yourself. And if autism is part of your story, you deserve to know, not so you can change who you are, but so you can stop performing and start resting.

You’re allowed to be unsure.

Some people come to us with a strong sense that they’re autistic. Others come with a question they’ve carried for years. Both are valid. Both deserve to be heard.

You don’t have to be sure. You just have to be curious. And if you’re ready to explore that curiosity, we’re here to listen.

Book a free consultation to see how Leap can help you.

Aren’t we all ‘a bit on the spectrum’ though?

You’ve probably heard it. Maybe from a colleague, a friend, even a GP:

“We’re all a bit autistic, aren’t we?” ⠀ It’s often said with kindness , in an attempt to relate, to soften difference. But the truth is, We’re not all ‘a bit on the spectrum’. And saying we are can erase the very real experiences of autistic people.

🧠 What is the autistic spectrum?

The autism spectrum isn’t a straight line from “not autistic” to “very autistic.” It’s a complex, multidimensional profile, like a soundboard with dozens of sliders:

• Sensory sensitivity

• Social communication

• Executive function

• Emotional regulation

• Processing speed

• Special interests

• Masking and burnout

Each autistic person has a unique combination of traits — some high, some low, some variable. It’s not about how ‘much’ autism someone has. It’s about how it shows up, and how it impacts their life. So while lots of people may have some traits of autism (e.g., they like their routines, or they aren’t very sociable) it often comes down to personality, and doesn’t equal a diagnosis of autism.

Why “We’re All a Bit Autistic” Is Harmful

This phrase:

• Minimises the lived reality of autistic people

• Dismisses the need for support, diagnosis, and accommodations

• Confuses quirks with neurodivergence

• Invalidates those who’ve spent years masking, struggling, and being misdiagnosed

As one autistic advocate puts it:

“You can’t be a little bit autistic, just like you can’t be a little bit diabetic.”

Why Autism Feels ‘Everywhere’ Now

We’ve heard it said, ‘there wasn’t all this autism 20 years ago’ or ‘nobody had autism in my class in the 1990’s’. It’s not that autism is suddenly more common. It’s that we’re finally seeing it, especially in groups long overlooked:

• Women and girls, who often mask and present differently

• People of colour, who face diagnostic bias

• Adults, who were missed as children

• Those with co-occurring conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or trauma (the trauma and autism crossover is a post for another day!)

We’re also:

• Better at recognising subtle traits

• More open about neurodiversity

• Creating safer spaces for people to seek answers

• In an age of instant information and communication. Information about what autism actually is, and the ability to communicate with others having similar experiences to ourselves (just look for forums, subreddits, Facebook pages about the autistic experience, suddenly it’s not just a ‘you’ thing).

What to Say Instead

If you’re trying to relate to someone who has expressed that they may be autistic, or that they have been diagnosed, try:

• “I see you.”

• “I didn’t know that about you, thanks for sharing”

• “What helps you feel safe?”

These phrases build connection without erasing difference. They honour the spectrum as something real, complex, and deeply personal.

Final Thought

Autism isn’t a trend, or a fad, or the next big thing. It’s a neurotype, a way of being. Imagine it like an operating system for your phone, some people are Android and some are Apple, the odd one might be Windows. They do the same job, just with different functionalities.

For those who live it, being “a bit on the spectrum” isn’t a quirky footnote. It’s a full story, often one that has been tricky to write. One that deserves to be heard, understood, and respected.

Got questions or comments? Get in touch via our contact page and we’ll be in touch soon.

‘Unmasked’, understanding the cost of camouflage

Unmasked: Understanding Autism and the Cost of Camouflage

Many autistic people spend years adapting to the world around them in ways that go unnoticed, even by themselves. This process is known as masking, and it’s far more common than most realise.

According to the National Autistic Society, masking is “a strategy used by some autistic people, consciously or unconsciously, to appear non-autistic in order to blend in and be more accepted in society.” It can happen at work, at school, in social settings, or even at home — and while it may help people get by, it often comes at a high emotional cost.

“Masking is to re-write every fibre of your being to suit the situation you are in and what is perceived to be ‘normal’ behaviour and reactions.” — Rosie Weldon, autistic author and advocate

What Does Masking Look Like?

Masking isn’t always obvious. It can be subtle, habitual, and deeply ingrained. Here are some real-world examples:

At Work

• Smiling and nodding during meetings, even when overwhelmed

• Avoiding asking questions for fear of seeming “difficult”

• Eating lunch alone but saying it’s to “make a call”

• Suppressing sensory discomfort from bright lights or noise

• Using rehearsed phrases to sound socially fluent

At School

• Pretending to understand instructions to avoid standing out

• Mimicking classmates’ behaviour or speech patterns

• Rehearsing answers silently before speaking

• Hiding discomfort with uniforms or classroom noise

In Social Settings

• Laughing at jokes that don’t make sense

• Preparing conversation topics in advance

• Avoiding personal interests unless directly asked

• Mirroring others’ energy levels or facial expressions

• Using alcohol to feel more relaxed in crowds

These behaviours aren’t exclusive to any gender, although research suggests autistic women and girls may be especially adept at masking due to social expectations.

The Impact

Masking can delay diagnosis, prevent access to support, and lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. It can also create a sense of identity loss — especially for those who’ve masked unconsciously for years.

“When I am masking, the vast majority of my brain function is going to that masking. It is taking almost all of my mental energy to just stay in absolute control.”

Introducing ‘Unmasked’ (coming soon!)

That’s why we created Unmasked: A Reflective Workbook. It’s not a diagnostic tool, it’s a space to explore who you are beneath the adaptations. Whether you’ve been diagnosed, are self-identifying, or are simply curious, this workbook offers prompts, insights, and validation for anyone who’s ever wondered quietly.

You don’t need to be fixed. You just need space to be real.

Sign up to be notified when ‘Unmasked’ is released.

Sources: National Autistic Society – Masking Autistic People and Masking – NAS Simply Psychology – Examples of Autism Masking

Paracetamol doesn’t cause autism, but misinformation is certainly giving me a headache.

You may have heard talk in the press this week claiming that Tylenol (Paracetamol for us Brits) use during pregnancy causes a ‘very increased risk of autism’. In one of his most eyebrow raising moment to date, President Donald Trump made the claim during a White House press event on Monday. He even went as far as to advise pregnant women to ‘tough it out’ and avoid Paracetamol altogether.

The Claim: Bold, Baseless, and Baffling

Trump’s assertion that the FDA would soon issue guidance warning against Tylenol use during pregnancy was news to everyone, including the FDA (The Food and Drug Administration or the US equivalent of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency that we have in the UK). No such guidance exists, and no credible medical body, either in the US or the UK has endorsed this claim. Paracetamol has long been considered one of the safest pain relievers for pregnant individuals when used as directed. So where is this coming from? A few cherry-picked studies, a dash of pseudoscience, and a whole lot of political bravado.

What the Science Actually Says

Yes, there have been studies looking into possible links between paracetamol and neurodevelopmental outcomes. But they’re far from conclusive. Most experts agree there’s no proven cause-and-effect relationship between paracetamol and autism. These studies raise questions, not alarms, and they certainly don’t justify sweeping public health claims.

Dr. Allison Bryant, a high-risk obstetrician at Massachusetts General Hospital, summed it up: ‘None (of the studies) clearly show any cause and effect.’ Translation: Trump’s claim is about as medically sound as using essential oils to treat a broken leg.

UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting didn’t mince words in response to Trump’s remarks either. Speaking to ITV, he urged the public to ‘not pay any attention whatsoever’ to the claim, stating clearly: “There is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children—none.” He cited a major Swedish study involving 2.4 million children that found no link between the drug and the condition. His advice? Don’t even take his word for it—listen to British doctors, scientists, and the NHS.

The Real Danger: Misinformation with a Megaphone

The most alarming part of this saga isn’t the claim itself, it’s the platform it was given. When a sitting president makes sweeping medical pronouncements without evidence, people listen. And when those pronouncements contradict decades of research, the consequences can be serious.

Untreated pain and fever during pregnancy can harm both mother and baby. Discouraging safe treatment options based on flimsy science is irresponsible and dangerous.

Conclusion: Facts Matter More Than Soundbites

Autism is a complex condition with roots in genetics and early brain development. It cannot be boiled down to a single cause, and certainly not to a common over-the-counter painkiller. Oversimplifying the science does a disservice to autistic individuals and their families, and spreads confusion where clarity is needed most.

What happens at an autism assessment?

So, you’ve finally taken the leap (see what we did there?) and booked your autism assessment. You’re nervous, you’re curious, you’re almost a bit excited, it’s been a long road to this point, and you’re hoping that soon you will have answers to life long questions. But, what actually happens at an autism assessment?

At Leap, we use two assessment tools to assess and diagnose autism. We use the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, second edition) and the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview - revised).

The ADOS-2 is a shorter assessment, it uses tasks and conversations to assess for autism, and is usually completed in person at our clinic space in Burscough. When you come for an ADOS-2, you will meet with Jess and one of the Leap clinicians who will guide you through the process. Jess will do most of the talking, where as the other clinician will be taking notes. This assessment usually lasts one hour.

The ADI-R assessment is a little longer and can be completed online via Microsoft Teams, over the telephone, or in person if you wish. It focuses on your developmental history, how you developed socially as a child, your interests and routines, and your sensory interests and challenges.

This may all sound like a lot, and in a way, it is - the assessments are designed to be thorough, we want any diagnoses to be accurate and clinically sound, but you will always be in safe hands. At Leap, we want the assessment process to be a positive and affirming one, and so we are led by our patients in terms of pace and in terms of what we talk about. You will never be under pressure to talk about anything you do not want to, and you can take breaks if you need to. We can also split the ADI-R assessment over two sessions.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Why pursue an autism diagnosis?

Have you ever wondered if an autism assessment might help you understand yourself better?

For many people, receiving an autism diagnosis, whether in childhood or adulthood, can feel like a turning point. Like a lens through which life suddenly makes more sense. For many people, diagnosis isn’t about labels, it’s about clarity, validation, and access to support.

Clarity: Understanding Yourself Better

One of the most immediate benefits of an autism diagnosis is clarity. For years, many autistic individuals navigate the world feeling ‘different’ without knowing why. Social interactions might feel confusing, sensory experiences overwhelming, and routines essential, but without a framework to explain these patterns, it’s easy to internalise frustration and feel as though there must be something ‘wrong’.

A diagnosis offers a roadmap. It helps explain why certain environments feel draining, why small talk can be exhausting, or why intense interests bring so much joy. This clarity isn’t just intellectual, it’s emotional clarity also. It allows people to reframe past experiences with compassion and insight, rather than confusion or shame.

Validation: You’re Not Alone

An autism diagnosis can be deeply validating. It confirms that the challenges you’ve faced aren’t due to personal failings, they’re part of a neurodivergent way of experiencing the world. That shift in perspective can be liberating to someone who has spent years feeling ‘less than’.

Validation also comes from community. Once diagnosed, many people find connection with others who share similar experiences. Online forums, local groups, and advocacy networks offer spaces where autistic voices are heard, respected, and celebrated. Knowing you’re not alone, and that your experiences are real and shared, can be a powerful antidote to isolation.

Access to Support: Tools for Thriving

With a diagnosis comes access to support systems that might otherwise be out of reach. This can include accommodations at school or work, therapeutic services, sensory-friendly environments, and tailored strategies for communication and daily living.

Importantly, support isn’t about ‘fixing’ autism, it’s more about empowering autistic individuals to thrive in a world that often isn’t designed with neurodiversity in mind. Whether it’s noise-cancelling headphones, flexible work arrangements, or social skills coaching, these tools can make a meaningful difference in quality of life.

At Leap, we firmly feel that a diagnosis is not the end, it’s just the beginning. It’s a chance to understand yourself more deeply, connect with others authentically, and access the resources you deserve. Most of all, it’s a reminder that being autistic isn’t something to hide, it’s something to embrace, it’s who you are and always have been - perfect just as you are.

Whether you’re exploring lifelong patterns or seeking answers for the first time, Leap offers a calm, professional space to begin that journey.